Maharashtra has witnessed a significant spike in the dog bit cases with nearly 5 lakh incidents in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The state also recorded 19 rabies deaths during the same period.
In 2025, 15.19 lakh cases of dog bites were recorded across the state which rose from 11.41 lakhs cases of dog bites in 2024.
Rising Trend in Urban Areas
Data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shows a steady increase in dog bite cases:
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2020: 53,020
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2021: 61,332
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2022: 78,756
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2023: 96,757
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2024: 1,28,000
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2025: 1,30,000
This reflects a near doubling of cases over five years.
2026 (January–March)
Between January and March 2026, the State Public Health Department recorded 4,99,553 dog bite cases and 19 rabies-related deaths.
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Pune reported the highest number of fatalities (9).
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Other districts reporting deaths include Thane (2), and one case each in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Wardha, Mumbai, Sangli, Satara, and Raigad.
2025
In 2025, the state reported 15,19,913 dog bite cases and 33 rabies deaths.
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The highest fatalities were recorded in Pune (10) and Ahilyanagar (6).
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Other districts reporting deaths include Akola (2), Chandrapur (2), Latur (2), Satara (2), Thane (2), and one case each in Gondia, Kolhapur, Nanded, Nandurbar, Palghar, Raigad, and Yavatmal.
2024
In 2024, Maharashtra recorded 11,41,688 dog bite cases and 23 rabies deaths.
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Pune (8) and Kolhapur (5) reported the highest numbers.
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Additional deaths were reported in Sangli (2), Satara (2), Solapur (2), and one case each in Jalna, Palghar, Sindhudurg, and Thane.
Vasai-Virar
The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has also reported a sharp rise:
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2020: 11,630
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2021: 11,508
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2022: 17,674
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2023: 30,243
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2024: 36,677
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2025: 46,354
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Jan–Feb 2026: 10,120 cases
Stray Dog Population and Sterilisation Efforts
A 10-year study (2014–2024) conducted by the BMC in collaboration with Humane Society International India assessed street dog population trends and sterilisation impact.
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The stray dog population in Mumbai decreased slightly from 95,172 in 2014 to 90,757 in 2024.
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Between January 2023 and March 2026, 63,137 dogs were sterilised under ongoing animal birth control programmes.